Do I need to salt eggplant before cooking it in an air fryer?

Salting eggplant before air frying is optional. It helps reduce bitterness and removes excess moisture, resulting in a creamier texture and improved flavor. To salt, sprinkle sliced eggplant with salt, let it sit for 20–30 minutes, then pat dry before cooking. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the texture and taste might be slightly different.

How can I make air fryer eggplant crispy without using oil?

To achieve a crispy coating without oil, thoroughly coat the eggplant slices with panko breadcrumbs or almond flour and press firmly so the coating sticks well. Cooking at 370°F and flipping halfway through the 15–20 minute cook time helps even crisping. While a light spray of oil improves crunch, you can rely on the air fryer’s hot circulating air for a healthier alternative.

Can I use gluten-free ingredients for breading air fryer eggplant?

Yes, gluten-free options like almond flour, gluten-free panko, or crushed rice cereal work well as breading substitutes. Make sure to season the coating to maintain flavor. These alternatives maintain the crispiness of the eggplant when cooked in the air fryer, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

What’s the best way to cook air fryer eggplant for even results?

Arrange eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook at 370°F for 17 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning on both sides. Avoid overcrowding by cooking in batches if necessary; this allows hot air to circulate properly for consistent texture and color.

How long does air fryer eggplant keep in the fridge, and how should I reheat it?

Cooked air fryer eggplant can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until crispy again, or warm in an oven at 375°F for 7–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the coating crisp.

Air Fryer Eggplant Recipes For Crispy Quick Meals

Name: Air Fryer Eggplant
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: PT-492024H25M36S
Total time: PT-492024H25M36S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large globe eggplant or 2 small eggplants, sliced into ¼-inch-thick rounds; Sea salt for sprinkling; 1 large egg or a vegan substitute made by mixing ¼ cup nut milk with 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed; ½ cup panko bread crumbs; ½ cup almond flour; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, pecorino cheese, or a vegan Parmesan alternative; ½ teaspoon sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling

Description

🍆 Enjoy a healthier, crispy treat with Air Fryer Eggplant that offers a deliciously crunchy texture using less oil.
⏱️ This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for a flavorful snack or a main dish that pairs well with pasta and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large globe eggplant or 2 small eggplants, sliced into ¼-inch-thick rounds

Sea salt for sprinkling

1 large egg or a vegan substitute made by mixing ¼ cup nut milk with 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed

½ cup panko bread crumbs

½ cup almond flour

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, pecorino cheese, or a vegan Parmesan alternative

½ teaspoon sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

1-First: preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) to get it ready for even cooking. Sprinkle both sides of the eggplant slices with salt and let them drain in a colander for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. This step really helps improve the texture and flavor, making your eggplant less watery.

2-Next: whisk the egg or your vegan substitute in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs, almond flour, grated cheese, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Pat the eggplant slices dry, dip each one into the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly with the panko blend.

3-After that: drizzle a bit of extra-virgin olive oil over the coated slices and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 17 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness. If you have a lot of slices, work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Notes

🧂 Salting and draining the eggplant helps remove excess moisture, improving crispiness.
🌰 Mixing almond flour with panko crumbs gives a nutty, crunchy coating without deep frying.
🍳 Use a vegan egg substitute to make this recipe plant-based and allergy-friendly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Draining time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 17-20 minutes
Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: Air Fryer Eggplant, Crispy Eggplant, Healthy Snack, Quick Eggplant Recipe